The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed multiple charges against suspected terrorists accused of carrying out the deadly attacks on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, which left several people dead and others injured.
According to court documents, six separate charges were filed against nine suspects, with additional accomplices still at large. The arrests were made following intelligence operations by the DSS.
Two of the suspects, Haruna Adamu and Muhammad Abdullahi, both from Awe LGA of Nasarawa State, were arraigned on four counts linked to the Yelewata massacre. They were accused of conspiring with other suspects, including Musa Beniyon, Bako Malowa, Ibrahim Tunga, Asara Ahnadu, Legu Musa, Adamu Yale, Boddi Ayuba and Pyeure Damina, to carry out the coordinated attack.
The charges, filed by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Muhammad Abubakar, allege that the defendants concealed vital information about planned terror activities in Abinsi and Yelewata between June 13 and 14, 2025. Their actions, prosecutors said, could have aided in preventing the attacks. The offences are contrary to sections 12 and 29 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
In a related charge, two other suspects, Terkende Ashuwa and Amos Alede, both of Guma LGA, Benue State, were arraigned on a three-count charge for allegedly carrying out reprisal attacks. They were accused of attending meetings that led to acts of terrorism, including the destruction of property and the killing of 12 cattle in Ukpam village.
Similarly, a 32-year-old woman, Halima Haliru Umar of Faskari LGA, Katsina State, was charged with four counts for allegedly concealing information about a suspected gun runner and providing logistical support to bandits. She reportedly transported 302 rounds of AK-47 ammunition in July 2025, contrary to sections 6 and 13 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
Also arraigned were Nanbol Tali (75) and Timnan Manjo, accused of illegally buying and selling two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles for N3 million, and three revolvers for resale to bandits in Plateau State. Their offences fall under sections 9 and 27 of the Firearms Act, 2024.
In another case, the DSS filed a six-count charge against Silas Iduh Oloche of Agatu LGA, Benue State, for unlawful possession of 18 firearms, including grenades, and 683 rounds of live ammunition seized on August 2, 2025.
No trial date has yet been fixed for the suspects.
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